Things that make Asthma worse - Page 2
There are many things that can make an Asthma attack much worse. Most of the time you can reduce the problems and so make a person more comfortable. Here are some tips:
Reduce or avoid dairy products
One thing a person with asthma should stay away from is dairy products. Dairy products can constrict the bronchial passageways. Many people who eat dairy products notice that after they eat it, their noses and/or sinuses are congested. Or they wheeze or can't breath as easily.
Many dairy products such as milk, butter and cheese can cause excess phlegm and mucus to be formed in the body. This makes breathing even harder. Try eliminating these products from your diet for a while to see if you notice any difference.
Ginkgo biloba, goldenseal and echinacea - Treatment
Ginkgo Biloba is an excellent herb that is good for fighting allergies. It is particularly helpful with asthma. Ginkgo is anti-inflammatory and relaxes the lungs. It has been used in Chinese medicine for hundred of years. Taken as either a tincture, a tea or in capsule form.
Echinacea and Goldenseal combine well to help fight chest infections: asthma, flu and colds. Also consider adding more garlic to your diet or taking a supplement. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and expectorant*. In some asthma patients the mucus glands in the airways produce excessively thick mucus which further obstructs the airflow. As garlic is an expectorant, it can help with these symptoms.
*An expectorant is something that helps a person get rid of phlegm or sputum. This often hangs on the lungs and respiratory passages. The body has this natural mechanism to help mop up and expel bugs and viruses from the body. But you have to get rid of it, otherwise it makes it longer for your body to recover respiratory passages.
We have an immune boosting product containing Echinacea, Goldenseal as well as another immune boosting herb called Astragalus. Consider taking this to help strengthen your immune system so that you are less susceptible to these types of infections. You can see the immune boosting tips & article here.
Nettle tincture
Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) can be an excellent treatment for allergic nasal symptoms. For centuries, cultures around the world have used this herb to treat nasal and respiratory troubles: coughs, runny nose, chest congestion, asthma, whooping cough and even tuberculosis.
You can use a nettle tincture to avoid any stinging from the fresh leaves, whilst still retaining the natural active chemicals found in the leaves.
Four hundred years ago British herbalist Nicholas Culpeper claimed that nettle roots or leaves, used in juice or tea, were "safe and sure medicines to open the pipes and passages of the lungs".
A scientific study recently published in America, showed that nettle was a potent antihistamine. The leaves of the young plant, best harvested from May to June and before flowering begins, can be used fresh or dried, as a tea. They can even be eaten as a vegetable, lightly steamed they have a similar texture to spinach. Fortunately the sting is lost after cooking!
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne is another one of earths' most powerful herbs. It is also commonly known as Capsicum, with a botanical name of Capsicum frutescens.
One of it most famous uses is a a natural blood circulation stimulant and this can help the body fight off infections and to help the body get rid of any irritants which may be making asthma worse.
It may be able to assist with high blood pressure and over time help reduce high cholesterol levels.
Cayenne is a great all round herb that has so many possible benefits that it commonly appears in the top 10 most popular herbs on earth.
Liquorice herb
Liquorice is another expectorant and anti-inflammatory herb making it excellent for lung infections. Also very soothing on the throat. As a syrup or tincture it could reduce the incidence of asthma attacks.
A few cautions on liquorice - do not use large doses and/or long term use as it can cause sodium and water retention, headaches, lethargy and high blood pressure. Avoid in pregnancy.
Consider doing a detox program
A thorough detox program can be a foundation for good health and this can be done quite quickly.
Asthmatics should consider doing one twice a year, especially in Spring time and at the beginning of Winter.
More information on detoxing can be found here.
Other possible asthma soothing treatments
Aniseed was first prescribed for coughs by Hippocrates in the fifth century BC. The Greeks used aniseed in teas, to treat asthma and other respiratory ailments, as it is a mild expectorant and antibiotic. Aniseed contains creosol and alpha-pinene two chemicals that help to loosen bronchial secretions.
Fennel seeds also contains these chemicals and in higher quantities. Fennel is also known for its antispasmodic qualities. And like the nettle was highly prized by the Romans. Other herbs that contain the two aforementioned chemicals, listed in descending order, are: parsley seed, coriander, juniper berries, ginger, dill, tarragon and yarrow. A delicious, soothing tea could be made with a combination of these herbs, or taken in tincture form.
Lobelia is hard to get hold of but may be helpful
Lobelia also known as Indian tobacco and pukeweed, was smoked by the Native American Indians to relieve asthma. It features extensively in American Indian medicine, and with good reason as lobelia is a powerful and wonderful herb.
It contains a number of active ingredients that are anti-asthmatic, it is a respiratory stimulant, reduces muscle tension and spasms. In large doses it causes vomiting and has been used by some herbalists for that very reason, to remove old infected puss and mucus form the lungs. Lobelia can be used internally to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis. As a tincture it is an effective aid to asthma treatment.
Other herbs which have healing properties with regard to asthma are: Thyme is used as an expectorant for congested lungs and reduces muscle tension. Helpful with asthma if taken regularly Great Mullein has anti-spasmodic and expectorant properties. Herbalists consider it effective for a great range of respiratory ailments, including bronchitis, asthma and catarrh. Vervain is helpful in asthma as it relieves chest tension.
CAUTION: A mild bout of asthma that does not respond to simple remedies, requires immediate medical attention. Don't hang around - get help quickly. Loss of breathe is serious.
